Are seizures a result of xanax withdrawal?

This is an old post but I am hoping you have figured out a solution. I also have tried to explain the "shocks" to others and have gotten the same "I don't know what you are talking about." I got very frustrated and just stopped taking the xanax. It has been about 1 year since I have finally stopped having the shocks and seizures. I am convinced that xanax is a bad drug and should only be prescribed in only the most extreme of circumstances. Has anyone gotten an answer to what the shock feeling is? I also believe that the whole benzo class has caused me brain damage. Does anyone else feel that prescribed xanax has caused seizures, ticks, or brain damage?
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"One of the most serious potential side effects of Xanax withdrawal is seizures. Along with the potential for Xanax to cause seizures, other potential risks that come with withdrawal from Xanax can include psychosis, convulsions, paranoia and mania."

"To conclude the answer to the question of “can Xanax cause a seizure,” it’s yes, it can. This is a particularly big risk if someone attempts to stop using Xanax cold turkey. The best thing you can do if you’re in this situation is to seek professional help to stop using Xanax. To prevent a seizure from Xanax or other serious complications, it’s best to work with physicians to create a plan for gradually weaning off the drug."

I too have just experienced in this last year 10 grandmahl seizures, due too the withdrawal off of xanax. I didn't know know that it was actually the xanax that caused them! I was even driving during one and waiting for my fate in court for that. I'm now completely off the xanax and no more seizures, thank God we figured it out! I had a seizure the day after I took my xanax, not 3-4 days after like people have in these posts! In the accident I had I actually stopped breathing and my husband who was my passenger was terrified thinking I was dead. So they are dangerous, depending on what your doing at the time! Scary stuff!

I have a friend whose husband had a xanax problem, the withdrawal from it made him have a seizure. She honestly thought her husband was going to die right then. He luckily received the treatment he needed and is going to an outpatient rehab. Please be very careful with this, it is extremely dangerous to detox from xanax. Best wishes to you and your family.

Yes the seizure is most certainly from benzo (xanax) withdraw, I had the exact same thing happen to me around the holidays about 3-4 days after my last dose of xanax it seemed to come out if nowhere and was my first ever. I had 2 grand mal back to back within a 3 minute period of the first one I had the 2nd and woke up in an ambulance completely unaware of what happened to me or what was happening period. I told them my age was 21 when I was 25 and told them I played in a football league when I haven't played since senior year of high school. If you are going to get off your prescription I recommend speaking with your physician and taking time to taper very slowly

When in rehab back in 2001 benzo's was one of the drugs I was withdrawing from. I experienced the shocks for about 6 months after I got out of rehab. Taking a step on a hard floor at times would send a jolt up my entire body. It lessened then finally went away. I feel ya. Benzos are very difficult to withdraw from because they are fat soluble so they store in your body fat. I would talk to another doctor who specializes in chemical withdraw or addiction about the withdraw seizures. I have heard they can occur but never had on myself. Good Luck

The electric shocks you are feeling are also called Brain Zaps and can be looked up on wikipedia, just for more info about them.Seizures often do come on during benzo withdrawal, the brain zaps may be from that or if you have quit or tapered an antidepressant suddenly. Seizures can be very serious. If I were you, I would actually seek out a Psychiatrist who specializes in addiction, to help you get off these meds safely. I am not calling you an addict here or judging you, Psychiatrists are the doctors who handle these types of situations all the time and are more likely to be able to help you and keep you safe, seizure free and comfortable. A pharmacist also may be able to help you with answers about these meds and where you can find a psychiatrist who specializes in these meds and how to safely get off. Pharmacists are experts at medications. If you already have a psychiatrist, and that is who send you to the neurologist for these seizures, you might want to get a second opinion with another one. You are in my Prayers.,Patti

Hey cain,

Yes seizures are possible when you stop a benzodiazepine like xanax abruptly. When and if you stop this medicaiton you need to taper off slowly over much time. Whether you have epilepsy or not is difficult to say without a thorough neurological work up including an EEG. If you only have the seizure when you stop the Xanax abruptly then it most likely is the Xanax. The brain zaps or electric shock sensations are definitely withdrawl symptoms from the benzo or you can get them also from stopping an antidepressant like the Celexa, again without tapering slowly.

I would seek further medical investigation particularly if you are having the seizures on going.

Good luck, and keep in touch,

Laurie

Hi cain,
Any time one stops a benzodiazapine cold turkey, there is a possibility of seizures. I agree with Brian on this question.
Perhaps you should get a second opinion on this situation. And maybe a slow taper off of benzos would be best, you may avoid having another seizure that way. That must have been quite terrifying indeed, please see a different doc!
Best wishes to you,
sweetlemon

I don't want to get to much into it because there is a lot that you brought up. I do not want to contradict the doctor because he will have a much better concept than I. However, I most certainly have heard of xanax causing withdrawal symptoms, seizures being one of them. It is not the most common side effect but it is possible.

I am not sure what you mean by shocks.

Seizures themselves are harmless but the bitting of the tongue and falls are what are dangerous. But you very well might have a low seizure threshold and you may have epilepsy developing.

Like I said there is a lot here.

Brian PharmD Candidate